As shown in Fig. 3, when stored at
room temperature, the particle size of both formulations were
gradually decreased over time in the studied 30-day period, but PDI
and zeta potential were relatively stable.
The reduction of particle
size might be attributed to the microbial degradation of NaCas
protein molecules over time at room temperature
Nevertheless,
both formulations were quite stable and all the characteristics were
well maintained when stored at 4 C.
It has been well-established
that the protein/polysaccharide complex coatings provide a much
better stability to the interfacial structure of emulsions than protein
or polysaccharide alone, owing to the stronger electrostatic
hydrogen, and hydrophobic interactions between the two polymers